Niche Food Group is officially unveiling its rooftop hangout, what they’re calling the EXPATio, with a spring launch event from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 23. The outdoor third-floor space, part of Expat BBQ at City Foundry STL, will offer 50% off all food during the event as it kicks off a season of live entertainment, happy hour deals and full-service dining.
The 250-seat rooftop, originally opened in limited form last September, now offers Expat BBQ’s full menu and a variety of seating options – from bar stools and high-top tables to outdoor lounge areas. The team has installed a conveyor belt system to streamline service between the first-floor kitchen and rooftop, aligning with City Foundry’s industrial aesthetic.
“When we opened last fall, we were just getting our footing before winter hit,” said Gerard Craft, founder of Niche Food Group. “Now it’s our time to launch the space to its full potential. We always envisioned the third floor as a gathering place, and we’re excited to see that come to life with live music and entertainment this spring, summer and fall.”
Entertainment on the rooftop will include live music from local performers on Wednesdays and Fridays through Sundays, with themed events like magic acts and trivia on Thursdays. Music runs from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. The space features five large TVs, fans for warmer days and heaters for cooler nights.
To complement the entertainment, Expat will offer a Wednesday through Friday happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., with deals including $4 beers, $5 house wines, $7 rail drinks and $8 signature cocktails. Menu highlights lean into global flavors through an American barbecue lens. Food specials include Brazilian cheese popovers with honey butter, kimchi hush puppies with pickled garlic ranch and $10 “Big Bite” dishes like the Brass Burger and Frito Pie. Rooftop seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This article appears in April 2025.
